Your Pet's Teeth Are Aging Faster Than You Think—Here's What Vets Want You to Know

By age 3, approximately 80% of dogs and cats have some form of periodontal disease, often without showing obvious symptoms. Most pet owners don't realize that dental disease frequently develops below the gumline where it's invisible to the naked eye. The good news: prevention through daily home care and regular veterinary evaluations can help your pet avoid painful dental problems and serious health complications.

Why Your Pet's Dental Health Matters More Than You Think

Periodontal disease in pets isn't just about bad breath or cosmetic concerns. When left untreated, dental disease can cause significant pain, reduce your pet's appetite, and allow bacteria to spread to other organs, compromising overall health. The challenge is that many pets experience oral pain without showing obvious signs, which is why prevention and early detection are so critical.

The first visible sign of gum disease is gingivitis, which appears as redness along the gumline. However, by the time you notice visible tartar buildup on your pet's teeth, dental disease has likely been progressing for months or even years. This is why veterinarians emphasize that "prevention, early care, and regular evaluations can help pets live healthier, more comfortable lives," according to experts at the UGA Pet Health Center.

What Does Daily Pet Dental Care Actually Look Like?

The most effective defense against dental disease is a consistent home care routine. Here's what veterinarians recommend:

• Daily Brushing: Use pet-friendly, non-fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Ideally, brush daily, though any brushing is beneficial.
• Gradual Introduction: Start by letting your pet taste the toothpaste, then introduce brief brushing sessions the next day, gradually increasing duration until you build up to a full routine.
• Supplementary Options: If daily brushing isn't possible, dental treats or chews, specialized dental diets, and water additives can help reduce plaque buildup.

The timing matters significantly: after about 24 hours, plaque hardens into tartar that requires professional cleaning. This is why consistency is key. Even if you can't brush every single day, establishing a regular routine prevents rapid tartar accumulation.

When Should You Schedule Professional Dental Care?

Most dogs and cats should have a dental evaluation every 6 to 12 months, depending on their age, breed, and individual risk factors. Watch for warning signs that your pet may need professional attention, including bad breath (the most common indicator), preference for soft or canned food, dropping food while eating, decreased appetite, pawing at the mouth, head shaking, avoiding food, excess drooling, or nasal discharge.

When your veterinarian recommends a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT), it's much more involved than a routine cleaning. This procedure includes anesthesia for a safe oral examination, complete charting of each tooth, full-mouth dental X-rays to detect disease below the gumline, professional cleaning and polishing, and periodontal treatment or oral surgery if needed. Veterinarians aim to preserve teeth whenever possible, extracting only when necessary to relieve pain or prevent further damage. Many pets feel significantly better after treatment.

While February is recognized as Pet Dental Health Month, experts agree that good oral care should be a year-round priority. With consistent home care and regular veterinary visits, you can help prevent disease and support your pet's long-term health and comfort. The investment in prevention now can save your pet from pain and costly treatments later.